The Rip Review: Affleck & Damon Shine in Netflix’s Most Violent Whodunnit

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Netflix is kicking off 2026 with a new action thriller starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Called The Rip, the movie builds incredible suspense as viewers try to figure out who to believe. While the action itself isn’t groundbreaking, strong performances and a gripping atmosphere make it a worthwhile watch.

In The Rip, Damon and Affleck play police officers investigating a case involving corruption and a missing $20 million. The film also features strong performances from Teyana Taylor, Steven Yeun, and Kyle Chandler. While it could use more action, The Rip is a suspenseful and unpredictable thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Damon and Affleck Remain An Unbeatable Pairing

Certain on-screen pairings become truly iconic, and Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are a prime example. Their natural chemistry, clearly boosted by their long-time friendship, always makes them a joy to watch. Their new film, The Rip, gives them a great opportunity to shine together, and it’s wonderful to see them reunited.

Matt Damon is a major source of suspense in the film, keeping viewers wondering about his true intentions and whether he’s actually a bad guy. It’s refreshing to see him play such a different role than usual – he’s forceful and self-assured, but still manages to be a sympathetic character. A well-placed backstory helps us understand him, even as he often opposes Ben Affleck and others.

Ben Affleck’s character feels like a natural fit for him as an actor, and it works well within the story of The Rip. He plays the rebellious, unconventional cop, and is clearly positioned as the main opponent. His character and the others constantly challenge each other, and Affleck delivers a strong performance, drawing the audience further into the film’s mystery.

The film’s claim to be based on a true story feels like a marketing trick rather than a core part of the narrative. Affleck and Damon’s characters come across as overly dramatic, similar to the heroes in old action movies. Ultimately, the true story aspect doesn’t add much emotional depth to the film.

The two leads have incredible chemistry together, making them captivating to watch in any scene. Seeing them as police officers responsible for $20 million is particularly compelling and unsettling. They constantly challenge each other, support each other, and are willing to betray each other when necessary. As expected, they are the heart of the film and greatly shape its narrative.

The movie benefits from a strong supporting cast. While Affleck and Damon lead the way, actors like Taylor and Yeun deliver fantastic performances in smaller roles. Even with limited screen time, Sasha Calle and Catalina Sandino Moreno make a significant impact. These characters help move the story forward and really enhance the leads’ work.

Chandler is fantastic. Though he hasn’t been as prominent lately, his new role in The Rip is setting him up for a strong return. He’s captivating, a little scary, and incredibly charming – qualities that make him a great match for actors like Damon or Affleck. It’s exciting to see Chandler get another opportunity to showcase his talent, and his performance will definitely leave audiences wanting more.

The Rip Builds Mystery, Tension, and Suspense

Aside from Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s performances, The Rip is really good at building suspense and keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. It feels a lot like a traditional mystery, even culminating in a ‘who did it?’ reveal. If it weren’t for the film’s strong violence and serious subject matter, it would almost feel like a cozy mystery.

Right from the start, The Rip builds a complex mystery involving murder and corruption. The movie creates suspense by making everyone in a small group of characters a potential suspect in both a series of robberies and the death of a police officer. Just when you think you’re figuring things out, a new twist appears, constantly shifting your suspicions.

The final reveal is incredibly well done, creating a series of satisfying ‘aha’ moments for viewers. It feels like a natural and earned conclusion, making the experience truly rewarding. Surprisingly, the film works very effectively as a thriller, neatly tying up almost all of its mysteries.

The Rip Lacks a Visual Identity and Compelling Action

Okay, so I really wanted to like The Rip, but honestly, the biggest letdown was the way it looked. Even though it wasn’t packed with action, the bits that were supposed to be exciting – the gunfights and chases – just fell flat. They felt thrown in there just because they had to be, not because anyone put any effort into making them cool. It actually got kind of boring watching the action scenes, because they just didn’t have any punch.

The movie’s action sequences are hurt by its overuse of shaky camera work. While it initially tries to create a more intense and immersive experience, it ultimately becomes confusing. It’s hard to follow what’s happening, and the scenes just devolve into blurry movement and gunfire.

The movie’s visuals are pretty unremarkable. It’s not terrible, but it doesn’t stand out in any way and isn’t likely to be remembered for long.

While The Rip isn’t likely to become a classic or a career highlight for anyone involved, it’s far from a bad movie. The actors deliver strong performances, and the film maintains a good pace with plenty of suspense. The mystery at the heart of the story keeps you engaged throughout. However, the movie lacks a distinctive visual style and doesn’t quite feel ‘cinematic,’ despite its best efforts to be entertaining.

The Rip will begin streaming January 16 on Netflix.

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2026-01-16 03:11